Tournament Week
NZSS Winter Tournament Week is an event that brings together a staggering number of individuals who are passionate about school sports. Around 25,000 students along with their coaches, managers and parents participate in approximately 67 different school sport tournaments.
Rutherford College took their sports teams on the road to compete in the winter tournament competitions across the North Island. They were incredibly fortunate to finally experience some sunny weather after weeks of dreary rain.
The four teams, consisting of a Junior Boys Football team, Premier Netball Team, and 1st XI Girls' Hockey and Football Teams had dedicated themselves to months of training in preparation and were fully prepared to tackle any challenge that awaited them.
Netball: Hamilton The Netball team showed extraordinary growth and improvement this year, surpassing their previous performance. Their hard work paid off as they achieved a higher placement than last year in the B Grade Division. In addition, we would like to extend our congratulations to two players, Cruz Clarke & Dyllan Fakalata for their exceptional achievement in being chosen for the B Grade Tournament team. This team comprises of the top 20 players from their grade which is selected out of a pool of 32 teams. Well done to Cruz and Dyllan for this outstanding accomplishment!
Hockey: Whangārei The hockey girls demonstrated unwavering determination and gave their all in every game throughout the tournament. Despite facing tough losses, often by narrow margins, their spirits were never dampened. Instead they used each game as an opportunity to learn and grow as a team. As the week progressed their bond grew stronger, fostering an amazing sense of unity. The hockey girls exemplified the true essence of teamwork, supporting each other in both victories and defeats.
Boys Football: Tauranga It is truly fantastic that our Junior Boys Football team have the opportunity to participate in Winter Tournament week. They were able to show their skills and it is evident that we have a group of exceptionally talented players. Throughout the tournament, these boys fought tirelessly in every game, leaving everything on the field and achieving some remarkable victories. We are extremely proud of these boys and are excited to watch them continue to develop.
Girls Football: Rotorua The girls' football team started the week with great momentum. Although they faced tough challenges from teams they never backed down. As the week progressed and the competition intensified the girls continued to give their best effort, displaying admirable sportsmanship and a never-give-up attitude.
As the curtains closed on Winter Tournament Week it was a bittersweet moment for Rutherford College as numerous Year 13 students adorned the symbolic kotuku for the last time. These students, who had dedicated five years of their lives to their chosen sports bid farewell to their teammates and coaches. Rutherford College is grateful for their contributions and wishes them success in their future endeavours.
We extend our thanks to all those involved for their passionate support and invaluable contributions. It is through your dedication that we have been able to create unforgettable memories for our students.
Rutherford College can take pride in all of our students for embodying the values of our school and representing it with integrity.
by Gill Bloxham
